The Comedy category experienced significant gains in attendance and revenue between 2014 and 2015, surpassing the peak revenue and attendance figures recorded in 2011 and 2012. Gross revenue increased by 21.6% from $45.15 million to $54.92 million. Total attendance rose by 3% while the average ticket price increased significantly by 18.9% from $50.55 to $60.11.

As in previous years, revenue and attendances in the Comedy category largely came from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Sydney Comedy Festival. Notable comedians that toured in 2015 included Dylan Moran, Billy Connelly and Noel Fielding, while local comedians Carl Barron and Jim Jeffries also had successful tours in 2015.

All states and territories saw an increase in revenue and attendance, with the exception of Western Australia that experienced a decrease in revenue (17%) and attendance (37%). The highest increases in revenue and attendance were recorded in South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.

The Comedy category was introduced in 2009, prior to which most comedy events were likely to have been classified as either Theatre or Festivals (Single-Category) events.

Supplementary Data

The Comedy category drew attendance of 127,732 and generated $5.42 million in revenue. This category is ranked second in terms of industry revenue, due to a high average ticket price ($43.99) and few unpaid tickets (4% of total attendance). This category staged 298 performances, which generated average revenue of $18,185 per performance due to a high average attendance rate of 429 per performance. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Roadshow 2015 most likely contributed significantly to this category.

Regional and metropolitan venues generated the vast majority of revenue and attendance for this category. Notable venues include Civic Theatre (NSW) and Geelong Performing Arts Centre (VIC). Amongst Key Organisations, companies in Western Australia were the sole contributor to this category.

Category Revenue

$5420000m

Category Attendance

k

Note: This data is supplementary to the 2015 primary ticketing survey data.